Chloe Shill went from living in the busy suburbs of Miami to the walkable streets of Gainesville.
“I feel fine here,” said the 20-year-old UF international studies junior. “People don’t stop for red lights in Miami. People stop here. It’s like a thing.”
On Monday, the city of Gainesville was awarded a Bronze-level award by Walk Friendly Communities, an organization that honors pedestrian-friendly U.S. cities. The organization is sponsored by the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
The distinction is well below the top platinum ranking, but still leaves the city as one of only 33 certified in the U.S. with the honor.
Chip Skinner, spokesman for Gainesville Public Works, said the award showcases Gainesville’s commitment to public safety.
“There’s an application process where we list everything we’ve done this and previous years to make pedestrians safer and improve connectivity within the city,” Skinner said.
He said partnering with the Gainesville Police Department last year helped improve crosswalk safety by reminding people they need to stop for pedestrians.
Debbie Leistner, city public works transportation planning manager, said she’s happy to have Gainesville rated among the most walk-friendly communities in the state.
“We’re going to continue to look for ways to improve the system for all the citizens and users,” she said.
Contact Alex Catalano at acatalano@alligator.org.
